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In search of a perfect game Some Cats to stay home for home games in 2008 Reprieve gives this Rocket a real boost Backup plan works, too New faces quickly take Cats new places Cats hope blowout was only Act OneVandals vanquished Easy does it, UA hopes for openers Blog: Storm blows ASU practice facility away; How bad is Idaho? It's been a hard row to hoe for Idaho

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Willie Tuitama has been all business this summer, running sprints, lifting weights and leading 7-on-7 drills.

The Arizona Wildcats' quarterback has allowed himself one midsummer treat: a video game.

Tuitama bought NCAA Football 09 on Tuesday and has been playing out Arizona's 2008 season — and undoubtedly, putting up bloated passing yards.

It might not be long before Tuitama and the Wildcats are putting up video-game numbers in real life.

The Air Zona offense is poised for a breakthrough season this fall, in part because of the Cats' returning quarterback and stellar supporting cast.

The Wildcats return 10 offensive starters from a year ago, the most of any team in the Pac-10.

"We have the running backs. We have the wide receivers for sure. We have playmakers … our (offensive) line has improved so, so much since I've been here," Tuitama said. "Our offense should be on point, and that should carry over to our defense."

These keys could help unlock Arizona's first bowl game in a decade.

Start button

• Arizona's 2008 fate could hinge on how the offense fares during nonconference play. The Wildcats have posted a 6-11 September record under coach Mike Stoops since 2004; one extra win in the last two seasons would have landed them in a bowl game. Luckily for Arizona, this year's schedule is the easiest in years: the Cats will take on Idaho, New Mexico and Toledo before opening conference play Sept. 20 against a retooling UCLA. A 4-0 start seems possible. "It's big for us," Tuitama said. "The last two years, we've finished with a great three-game stretch. If we play like that from the get-go, we should have no problems at all."

Turbo

• Arizona might have the most talented group of skill-position players since 1998. Wide receiver Mike Thomas caught 83 passes for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2007, and figures to be among the conference's top big-play threats again this fall. Delashaun Dean, Terrell Reese and Terrell Turner finally bring some much-needed size at wide receiver. For speed, nobody beats receiver Derick Barkum. Teammates say the junior college transfer might be the fastest player on the team. "I feel like our team is a lot more advanced than it's been in the past," Thomas said. "I think we're going to be a good bunch. We're going to put it all out there. The sky's the limit for us."

The controller

• The Air Zona offense runs through Tuitama, who is coming off a record-breaking 2007 season. The Wildcats quarterback threw for a school-record 3,683 yards and 28 touchdowns. He set 10 single-game and single-season records, and — should he continue his torrid pace — could break a handful of career marks before the midway point of the season. "I think Willie, after spending a year in the system, understands what he can do and what he's capable of," coach Mike Stoops said. "We feel like he'll have a better year. He could end up with all the numbers. He could end up being the No. 1 guy (in the record books)." Tuitama must make faster reads after the ball is snapped, but says he's otherwise ready to go. "I know I can make my throws," he said. "As long as I know where the ball's going to go, there shouldn't be any problems."

Pause

• Don't underestimate the importance of bye weeks. Arizona will have three breathers during its three-month season: Sept. 27, Nov. 1 and Nov. 29. It breaks the schedule roughly into thirds.

Power up

• The Wildcats' offensive line could receive a major boost if junior college tackle J'Marcus Webb passes his summer-school classes and enrolls in time for fall camp. But even without Webb, this year's offensive line figures to be one of the team's strengths. The Wildcats return four starters from last season, and have no shortage of candidates to replace Peter Graniello at left tackle. Don't be surprised if James Tretheway, Adam Grant and Bill Wacholz battle for playing time in training camp.